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This most recent iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.

This makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.